P0355
Fix within a few daysThe engine computer detected an electrical problem with the ignition coil for cylinder #5.
Code P0355 means your engine computer detected a problem with ignition coil #5's electrical circuit. Common causes: Bad ignition coil (80%), wiring issues (15%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within a few days. Repair cost: $30-$100 DIY, $100-$250 professional.
Can I Drive With P0355?
Limit driving, fix within a few days
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Prolonged driving will damage your catalytic converter.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud banging noises from the engine, strong rotten egg smell from the exhaust, or significant power loss.
Symptoms of P0355
- 1Engine misfire or rough idle
- 2Reduced engine power or acceleration
- 3Engine hesitation or stumbling
- 4Check Engine Light is on or flashing
- 5Engine may run rough at specific RPMs
Common Causes of P0355
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The ignition coil for cylinder #5 has failed internally, preventing it from generating proper spark or sending the correct electrical signal to the PCM.
80% of P0355 cases are fixed by replacing this part
A damaged, corroded, or open circuit in the wiring connecting to ignition coil #5 prevents the coil from receiving power or the PCM from monitoring its circuit.
15% of P0355 cases are fixed by repairing this wiring
A rare internal fault within the PCM's ignition coil driver circuit can incorrectly report a problem with coil #5.
5% of P0355 cases are fixed by replacing this part
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the ignition coil for cylinder #5 for cracks or damage.
- Check the wiring harness leading to coil #5 for any frayed wires, loose connections, or signs of rodent damage.
How to Diagnose P0355
- 1Visually inspect ignition coil #5 and its wiring harness for any obvious damage, fraying, or corrosion.
- 2Swap ignition coil #5 with a known good coil from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder #1) and see if the code moves to the new cylinder. If it does, the coil is bad.
- 3Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage supply and ground at the ignition coil #5 connector with the key on.
- 4Inspect the spark plug for cylinder #5 for signs of fouling, damage, or incorrect gap, as a bad plug can sometimes stress the coil.
- 5If the coil and wiring check out, a professional diagnosis of the PCM's driver circuit may be necessary.
P0355 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2014Ignition coil failures are very common on these trucks, particularly with the 5.4L V8 engines. Moisture intrusion or age often leads to coil pack failure.
85% fixed by replacing the ignition coil
Honda Accord
2003-2012Ignition coil packs are a known weak point on both 4-cylinder and V6 Accord engines. A P0355 often points directly to a failed coil.
80% fixed by replacing the ignition coil
Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2013Coil pack failures are not uncommon on these trucks, especially as they age. A P0355 is a strong indicator of a failed coil for cylinder #5.
75% fixed by replacing the ignition coil
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0355 mean?
P0355 indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has detected an electrical fault in the primary or secondary circuit of the ignition coil for cylinder #5. This means the PCM isn't seeing the expected electrical signal from or to that specific coil.
Can I drive with P0355?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. Driving with a P0355 code means your engine is misfiring, which can send unburned fuel into your catalytic converter. This causes the converter to overheat and fail, leading to a much more expensive repair.
Will P0355 clear itself?
No, P0355 will not clear itself. The underlying electrical fault or component failure must be addressed. Even if the Check Engine Light turns off temporarily, the problem is still present and will return.
How do I fix P0355 myself?
Start by visually inspecting the ignition coil and wiring for cylinder #5. The most common fix is replacing the ignition coil for cylinder #5. If that doesn't work, check the spark plug for that cylinder. If the issue persists, you'll need to test the wiring for power and ground.
How much does it cost to fix P0355?
A DIY fix for P0355, typically replacing the ignition coil, costs $30-$100 for the part. If you take it to a shop, expect to pay $100-$250, which includes the part and labor.
P0355 keeps coming back - why?
If P0355 keeps returning after replacing the coil, the problem is likely not the coil itself. The issue is probably a wiring harness problem to coil #5, a faulty spark plug in cylinder #5, or, in rare cases, a problem with the PCM's driver circuit for that coil.
Will P0355 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0355 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. A misfiring engine produces higher levels of pollutants, and the active Check Engine Light is an automatic failure in most inspection programs.
What's the difference between P0355 and P0305?
P0355 specifically indicates an electrical circuit malfunction with ignition coil #5. P0305 indicates a general misfire detected in cylinder #5. A P0355 will almost always trigger a P0305, but a P0305 can be caused by other issues like a bad spark plug or fuel injector, not just the coil circuit.
P0355 on Ford F-150?
On many Ford F-150 models, especially those with 5.4L engines, ignition coil failures are common. The coils are exposed and can be susceptible to moisture or heat, leading to P0355. Replacing the coil pack for cylinder #5 is a very common fix for this vehicle.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you swap the coil to another cylinder to confirm the fault moved?
Good answer: Yes, we swapped coil #5 to cylinder #1, and the code changed from P0355 to P0351, confirming the coil is bad.
Did you check the wiring harness for power and ground at the coil connector?
Good answer: Yes, we confirmed proper voltage and ground at the coil #5 connector, ruling out a wiring issue.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$30-$100
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$100-$250
Save $70-$150 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
0.5-1 hours
Intermediate - requires basic hand tools and an OBD-II scan tool. Testing wiring requires a multimeter and some electrical diagnostic knowledge.
Cost of Waiting
Continued misfires from P0355 send unburned fuel into your exhaust system. This causes your catalytic converter to overheat and melt internally, leading to a $800-$2,500 replacement. A $30-$100 ignition coil fix now prevents a much larger bill later.
While You're In There...
If the spark plug for cylinder #5 is old or fouled, it can stress the ignition coil and contribute to its failure. Replacing it ensures a complete fix and prevents repeat work.
Applying dielectric grease to the spark plug boot and coil connector helps prevent moisture intrusion and ensures a good electrical connection, extending the life of the new coil.
Tools You'll Need
- Basic socket set
- Screwdriver set
- Multimeter (for advanced diagnostics)
- OBD-II scan tool
P0355 is a common ignition system code. Most repairs involve replacing a single ignition coil, which is a straightforward job that will get your engine running smoothly again.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Perform a visual inspection of ignition coil #5 and its wiring. Look for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
Step 2: If no visual issues, swap ignition coil #5 with a coil from a different cylinder. Clear the code and drive the vehicle. If the P0355 code returns, the problem is likely in the wiring or PCM. If a new code (e.g., P0351 for cylinder #1) appears, the original coil #5 is faulty.
Step 3: If the coil swap points to a bad coil, replace ignition coil #5. Consider replacing the spark plug for cylinder #5 at the same time. If the coil swap doesn't move the code, you'll need to test the wiring for power, ground, and signal from the PCM using a multimeter.